Newsletters
Turkish actress Hande Ercel has been seen in public for the first time since ending her three-year relationship with businessman Hakan Sabanci, a breakup that has dominated the celebrity agenda in Türkiye.
Appearing at the airport, she drew attention with her downcast mood and chose not to answer questions about the reasons behind the split. When asked whether it was “a normal breakup or a matter of cheating,” she left the question unanswered, sparking further speculation.
The couple ended their relationship last week and confirmed it by removing all of their photos together from Instagram. The move fueled the perception that the separation was final, though rumors circulating behind the scenes added to the intrigue.
Ercel’s silence in the face of those claims has only deepened the sense of uncertainty.
Reports in Turkish celebrity media suggested that disagreements with the Sabanci family were at the heart of the breakup. It was claimed that Hakan Sabanci’s mother, Arzu Sabanci, had been distant toward the relationship from the beginning, allegedly advising her son to “think again.”
Presenter Ece Erken shared that Ercel was ready to take a step toward marriage, a plan Hakan Sabanci had welcomed, but the process stalled when Arzu Sabanci did not give her approval. This gave rise to the question, “Did Arzu Sabanci not want Hande Ercel as a bride?”
In contrast to Ercel’s quiet demeanor, Hakan Sabanci was photographed out with friends shortly after the breakup. His cheerful mood drew comments online, with some users saying he had “stolen a night from fate,” a Turkish expression for enjoying life to the fullest.
The images spread quickly across social media, highlighting the different ways the two figures have handled the split in public.
Ercel, caught by cameras of entertainment outlet Gazete Magazin, appeared without makeup and visibly low in spirits.
When pressed for comment, she only said: “I will not talk about this, thank you. Happy Victory Day. I do not want to talk, I am saying again, I will not talk.” Her refusal to confirm or deny claims of infidelity has left the issue open-ended, intensifying speculation among fans and media alike.
3 min read
